Campaign in spite of unprecedented attacks
In response to the staggering rate of STDs in Wisconsin, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is providing free STD tests at all 27 health centers located throughout Wisconsin during the month of April. The effort is part of “GYT: Get yourself talking, Get yourself tested,” an award-winning awareness campaign spearheaded by Planned Parenthood and MTV.
Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin President and CEO Teri Huyck announced the free STD testing campaign at rallies attended by more than 400 Planned Parenthood supporters last week. The rallies were organized in response to unprecedented legislative threats to women’s health at the state and federal levels.
“When we learned of the war being waged by some politicians against Wisconsin women and families, we received an outpouring of support from communities all over Wisconsin. It became clear to us: We must carry on in spite of these attacks,” said Huyck. “We decided to provide free STD testing at every health center in Wisconsin to show that Planned Parenthood is making a difference in communities throughout Wisconsin and, above all, we are here to stay.”
Social conservatives are trying to hijack the state and federal budget processes to promote an anti-birth control agenda that includes efforts to eliminate lifesaving women’s health programs and restrict women’s access to birth control in private insurance plans. Eliminating the state or federal family planning program would end thousands of Wisconsin women’s access to affordable and lifesaving STD testing and treatment. Governor Walker is also working to make men ineligible for STD testing and treatment in the state’s Medicaid family planning program.
“Wisconsinites know–and it’s time for politicians to recognize– that STDs are serious health issues,” Huyck continued. “The good news is that they are largely preventable. Knowledge is the key to combating STDs and HIV in our state. And it’s time for politicians to understand that they can’t politicize public health or stick their heads in the sand.”
Free Chlamydia and HIV Rapid Testing will be offered at every PPWI health center throughout the month of April. In addition, PPWI will provide free Gonorrhea testing in Milwaukee. To find the health center in your community, visit ppwi.org or call 1-800-230- PLAN.
